Burfict named AFC Defensive Player of Week

11:24 PM,
Nov. 20, 2013

Vontaze Burfict brings down Browns running back Willis McGahee for one of his 15 tackles Sunday.

Written by

Joe Reedy

Vontaze Burfict on Wednesday became the third Bengals player to be honored by the league this season when he won AFC Defensive Player of the Week honors. Burfict had a season-high 15 tackles along with a forced fumble, which he returned for a touchdown in last Sunday's 41-20 win over Cleveland.

It is the first time a Bengals linebacker has been honored since Brian Simmons in 2005. Burfict, who has led or tied for the team lead in tackles in all but one game, has a league-leading 118, which is six more than Buffalo rookie Kiko Alonso.